Season Three Reflections: Leadership, Resilience, and the Human Side of the Fire Service

Season Three Reflections: Leadership, Resilience, and the Human Side of the Fire Service Beneath the Helmet – Episode 99

Season Three comes to a close with a powerful reflection on leadership, resilience, wellness, and the human cost of serving in the fire service.

In this milestone Episode 99, host Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George looks back on conversations from Episodes 72 through 98. Firefighters, clinicians, researchers, and leaders shared honest insights about health, nervous system regulation, recovery, integrity, peer support, and what it truly takes to sustain a long career in this profession.

This episode is not about tactics or rank. It is about people, connection, and the lessons that carry forward into Season Four.

🎙️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 99 and Season Three milestone

01:00 – Season Three growth, listener support, and gratitude

02:00 – Overview of Season Three themes and guest diversity

02:30 – Episode 72: Frank Leeb on firefighter blind spots and leadership longevity

03:45 – Episode 73: Aaron Zamzow on sleep, fitness, and daily habits

04:50 – Episode 74: Keith Hanks on vulnerability, courage, and community

06:00 – Episode 75: Robert Cefoli on TRE and nervous system regulation

07:15 – Episode 76: Ryan Provencher on tactical athlete wellness

08:15 – Episode 77: Megan Lautz on nutrition and preparedness

09:15 – Episode 78: Alec Wons on purpose, presence, and connection

10:10 – Episode 79: Scott Booth on vulnerability and trust in leadership

11:00 – Episode 80: Rick Davis on integrity as a daily practice

12:00 – Episode 81: Brandon Guarino on visualization and performance

13:00 – Episode 82: Character-based leadership panel discussion

14:15 – Episode 83: Brandon Evans on reflection and growth

15:10 – Episode 84: Ricky Nuttall on Grenfell, survival, and story

16:15 – Episode 85: AK Dozanti on burnout and nervous system capacity

17:10 – Episode 86: Dr. Terry Anderson on competency-based leadership

18:05 – Episode 87: Justin Brunner on AI, wellness, and decision support

18:55 – Episode 88: Justin Champion on recovery and mental health

19:50 – Episode 89: Vance Row on sobriety, movement, and resilience

20:45 – Episode 90: Tommy Bolin on unseen battles and processing the job

21:35 – Episode 91: Dr. Stephanie Conn on peer support culture

22:30 – Episode 92: Marc Hill on station-level leadership

23:20 – Episode 93: Doug Allen on the nervous system and regulation

24:15 – Episode 94: John Vought on sleep, recovery, and CBD

25:15 – Episode 95: Dr. Nolan Beise on cognitive resilience

26:10 – Episode 96: Dr. Lorraine Smith MacDonald on moral injury

27:05 – Episode 97: Dr. Hector Rodriguez on healing and connection

28:10 – Episode 98: Michael Sears on taking a knee and recalibration

29:30 – Common themes from Season Three: connection and sustainability

31:00 – Sponsor acknowledgment and personal reflection

33:00 – Looking ahead to Episode 100 and Season Four

34:30 – Closing reflections and final thanks

🔥 About This Episode

Season Three explored what it truly means to serve in today’s fire service.

From nervous system health and recovery to leadership integrity and connection, these conversations highlight the human side of the job that often goes unspoken.

If you are a firefighter, first responder, leader, or someone navigating the long-term weight of service, this episode offers perspective, reflection, and grounded insight.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to Beneath the Helmet and share it with someone who needs these conversations.

Your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most.

Season Four is on its way.

Until then, take care of yourself, take care of your people, and stay well.

Host Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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